All social media platforms were filled with prayers and support last Sunday afternoon, as news circulated that the smallest and most active volcano – Taal located in Tagaytay City show signs of a possible eruption.
Tourists and locals have immediately taken to social media as Taal Volcano manifest indications of possible eruption. Capturing the activity of the volcano through their phones.
On January 12, 2020, the volcano surprised everyone when it started having phreatic eruption, a steam-driven episode that occurs when water beneath the ground is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has immediately raised alert level 2 at exactly 2:30 PM. However, the volcano continued to show signs of not resting causing to raise the alert level to 3 at 4:00 PM. The announcement was instantly followed by evacuation of the residence within the 10-kilometer radius. The following hours have made the situation more crucial as the alert level was raised to 4 at exactly 7:30 PM, which means that there can be a possible close hazardous eruption. The announcement was made due to the two volcanic earthquakes felt in Tagaytay City and Alitagtag, Batangas with magnitudes of 2.5 and 3.9 that fall under the intensity III earthquake classification.
Taal volcano continues to show signs of possible eruption as its phreatic activity matures to magmatic eruption at 2:49 AM to 4:28 AM today according to PHIVOLCS. This just shows that the hazardous eruption of the volcano can be hours or days away. The possible hazardous eruption can be easily detected once the lava starts to flow or fountain the crater of the volcano.
PHIVOLCS advises everyone to stay at home and wear an N95 mask every time as the ashes can be dangerous for human health. The Malacañang Palace has also released a cancellation of classes and work today for the public schools and government offices near the affected areas. They also recommended private sectors to cancel their operations today.
The last major activity of Taal Volcano was reported in 1965 where it killed about a hundred locals. However, the volcano continues to retain its active as it shows signs of volcanic activities over the years.
